I appreciate the perspective and logic of this post so I will participate.
On McVay, he has tried to expand the offense and the offense as a whole has struggled to adapt. At first, he was repping everyone with 11 personnel/zone blocking and adjustments based on the defense. Over time, defenses have learned more counters so changing the approach was imperative.
Goff has clearly benefited at times but struggled at other times as well. But he's not alone. There have been more mental lapses among the OLine. The running attack goes from dominant to invisible in a blink. Personally, I believe these are growing pains but Jared, as you mentioned, is thinking too much.
Let's consider the contrast between Goff and Wolford to demonstrate my point. Goff is far more accurate. Wolford is a running threat. Goff is more efficient with tempo. Wolford's mobility changes the defense's rush schemes so the downfield plays open up. Either way, turnovers occurred and red zone inefficiency has grown.
McVay is in a tough spot. Simplify the offense and the defense knows what to do. Expand the offense and the team makes critical errors. If ONE offensive lineman or TE misses an assignment, the play is blown and the overall concept and confidence diminishes.
My answer for the short term is to use Goff and the Wolfman in the same manner he does the three RB's. If he designs plays for each to implement that maximize their strengths, it takes a bit off each plate for them to consume. The risk here is how the other 11 have to adjust, not only by scheme and assigned technique, but rhythm of snap counts as well.
McVay has already been changing the running attack so the line has that going for it. It hasn't produced consistency though. The answer for the receivers could come from grouping personnel packages that are tailored to each QB. Jefferson, Everett, and Reynolds have some chemistry with Wolford. Kupp, Woods, and Higbee mesh well with Goff.
But to me, the OLine is the X factor. Who cares what the scheme is if they don't perform? Actually, I do. Wolford can scramble out of it when plays break down but the dude is destined to get injured as you said.
My answer is 50/50. McVay has to feel the simpler plays by outguessing the D. Goff's limitations off schedule will not improve measurably. The entire offensive operation has to expand without getting confused.
In conclusion, this is a transition year and only the defense can save us. Stay simple and conservative and we have a chance. Keep expanding the running game. Make it easy for the QB's. Play for points in the mid 20's with no turnovers rather than gamble for the 30's with turnovers.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/05/2021 03:04AM by Leoram.
